<ol><li>Descriptions:</li></ol><ul><li>Geologic Concept: Plate Tectonics: Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that explains the movement of the Earth&apos;s lithosphere, which is divided into several large and small plates. These plates interact at their boundaries, leading to various geologic phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountain ranges. Importance: Plate tectonics provides the framework for understanding the dynamic nature of the Earth&apos;s surface and its impact on geological features and processes. It helps geoscientists predict natural hazards, interpret past geological events, and identify potential mineral resources. Impact on Society: Understanding plate tectonics is crucial for mitigating natural disasters, managing resources, and planning infrastructure development in vulnerable regions like the Rocky Mountains.</li><li>Geographic Location: Rocky Mountains: Stretching over 3,000 miles from Canada to New Mexico, the Rocky Mountains are one of the longest mountain ranges in the world (Britannica, 2024). They comprise diverse ecosystems, breathtaking landscapes, and rich geological features shaped by millions of years of tectonic activity. Impact of Plate Tectonics: The Rocky Mountains owe their formation to the collision of tectonic plates during the Laramide orogeny around 70 million years ago (Tikoff et al., 2020). The uplift and folding of sedimentary layers resulted in the towering peaks and deep valleys we see today.</li><li>Geologic Setting: The Rocky Mountains lie within the western margin of the North American Plate, where it interacts with the Pacific Plate. This region is characterized by active tectonic processes, including subduction along the Pacific coast and continental collision further inland. Geologic Processes: Erosion, glaciation, faulting, and volcanic activity have sculpted the landscape of the Rockies over time. These processes continue to shape the mountains, contributing to their rugged beauty and geological complexity. Tectonic Environment: The Rocky Mountains are situated in a convergent boundary zone, where the North American Plate is colliding with the Pacific Plate. This collision has led to the uplift of the Rockies and the formation of numerous faults and folds.</li><li>Geologic History: The geological history of the Rocky Mountains dates back hundreds of millions of years, beginning with the accumulation of sedimentary layers on a shallow seabed during the Paleozoic era. Subsequent tectonic events, including the uplift of the ancestral Rockies and the formation of inland seas, shaped the region&apos;s geology. Past Geologic Events: The Laramide orogeny, which occurred during the late Cretaceous and early Cenozoic periods, played a pivotal role in the formation of the modern Rocky Mountains. The collision of tectonic plates uplifted the sedimentary layers, creating the iconic peaks and valleys we see today.</li><li>Conclusion: Creating this story map has provided a deeper understanding of the geology of the Rocky Mountains and the role of plate tectonics in shaping this iconic landscape. Through research and visualization, I have gained insights into the dynamic processes that have influenced the formation and evolution of this region. This project has underscored the importance of geologic concepts in interpreting natural phenomena and informing land management decisions in mountainous areas like the Rockies.</li></ul>

Exploring the Geology of the Rocky Mountains

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Continue storytelling with ArcGIS StoryMaps and keep your content. Request that Esri migrate your account to ArcGIS Online by May 31, 2025, and complete migration by June 30, 2025.

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After one year, you will need to purchase an ArcGIS Online subscription to continue using ArcGIS StoryMaps. Check out the StoryMaps <link>retirement page</link> for more information on the ArcGIS Online subscription options.

ArcGIS <link>StoryMaps</link> is the professional version of StoryMaps and is available as part of <link2>ArcGIS Online</link2>. Both products share similar storytelling capabilities, so if you are familiar with StoryMaps, you'll feel right at home with ArcGIS StoryMaps. Visit the <link3>retirement page</link3> for a detailed comparison between StoryMaps and ArcGIS StoryMaps.

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Both of these options include access to ArcGIS StoryMaps and the other ArcGIS Online apps and capabilities. Please note that there is a price difference between the two options that you will need to pay if you want to keep your account active when your free subscription expires. See the FAQs on the <link>StoryMaps.com retirement page</link> for more information about these subscription options.

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